The CNMA worked in partnership with St Gerrans and Porthscatho Old Cornwall Society and the Roseland Music Society to put together a programme of events across 2024 researching, celebrating and sharing the diversity of music found on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula.
The name “Roseland” contains the Cornish word ros which means hill-spur, or peninsula; the Roseland is the peninsula in south Cornwall delineated by the Fal River to the north and the sea to the south. Originally it consisted of just four ecclesiastic parishes; St Anthony in Roseland, Gerrans, St Just in Roseland, and Philleigh. However, many now also include the parishes of Ruan Lanihorne, and Veryan. The former port and borough of Tregony is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Roseland” and is also included in our project.
The Roseland is a rural area with no major towns; historically farming and fishing were major industries, but these days is more reliant in tourism. It is renowned for its wonderful landscapes, sheltered coves and creeks, and beautiful villages and harbours. The whole area is part of the South Cornwall National Landscape (formerly AONB).
This project follows in the footsteps of Maisie and Evelyn Radford of St Anthony. Over a century ago they gathered a troop of dancers and musicians to ‘bring music’ wherever they went across the Roseland. Their enthusiasm resulted in all types music resounding across the peninsula and our own “Music Of The Roseland” project has also been equally wide ranging. We collected and recorded historic carols, hymns, folk songs and dance and celebrated these alongside of present day groups and compositions. The project was captured with a series of articles, artistic commissions and events culminating in a major Carol Concert in Truro Cathedral.
Events
Roseland Music Society Week End
Composer workshop, led by Ian Stephens. Concert from the Roseland Music Society premiering Carricknath, by Ian Stephens. Workshop, exhibition and memory day at Gerrans Parish Hall with St Anthony’s Noyse and performance of Bohortha Dances.
Troyl – Roseland Music Festival
Social Dances, step dances, solos and community songs with The Bray Family, Martha Woods and Du Hag Owr. Featuring the Roseland Furry and new arrangements of traditional songs from the peninsula.
Band Concert – Philleigh Fayre
Concert with St Austell band and premier of Hannah Hawken’s arrangment for brass of four Roseland Hymns.
Carols of the Roseland Concert
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies Carol Service at Truro Cathedral Featuring: Amici Voci, St. Anthony’s Noyse, Roseland Carol Choir, Roseland Churches Choir, Roseland Youth Carol Choir.
People
Groups and Choirs
Brass Bands of the Roseland
Commissions
Martha Woods
Martha Woods was commissioned to arrange and re-imagine two tradition songs from the Roseland Peninsula: The Herring Song and The Oxen Ploughing.
During the memory day in February 2024 people recalled and demonstrated the Roseland Furry Dance. This was quite different from the Helston Dance but did not have a tune of its own. Finley Bray was commissioned to write a new tune especially for the Roseland Furry.
Gareth Churcher was commissioned as part of a grant from Sheffield University’s Access Folk Programme to write a new non religious carol for the Carols of the Roseland project. The Ruan Lanihorne carol follows the colourful story of the Ercedekne family from the parish with a chorus referencing local placenames.
Hymns of the Roseland
Four Hymns named after Roseland villages originally composed by local preacher and composer, Bob E. Martyn arranged for Brass Band by Hannah Hawken.
1. Portloe – Our Love for God and Fellow by Man
2. Tregoney – Walking in the Light of Jesus
3. Ruan Highlanes – Jesus Christ, the King of Heaven
4. Portscatho – Praise Jesus the Saviour
Roseland Carols
The Roseland Carol Project researched carols connected with the Roseland and published a collection so they could be used and enjoyed by more people.
Tea Treats
The various bands which existed in Gerrans, would march to Trewince to entertain the squire and his family. On occasions they were treated to a tea in the gardens, and of course the squire would contribute to their funds. Perhaps there is some community memory in play, with people recalling the band marching to Trewince, which influenced the re-interpretation of the name of the Trevince March from Gwennap march as Trewince March.
Roseland Furry